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China’s BRI project appreciated by world as progress possible by working together: Solangi

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jan 01 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said on Monday that China’s Belt and Road Initiative was appreciated by the world as progress was possible only by working together.

In an exclusive interview with China Radio International, the minister said that President Xi Jinping’s vision of development was based on universal development.

“The fruits and benefits of development come only when development is not limited. No country can progress in isolation”, Murtaza Solangi maintained.

Welcoming the message of the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping at the beginning of the new year, Murtaza Solangi said his vision of global development was also evident in his New Year message.

President Xi has always promoted the timeless principles of humanity and his theory was a negation of the theory that a country can achieve development only by keeping other countries behind, the minister opined.

“In our region too, President Xi Jinping’s globalist ideology is gaining ground,” he said.

Central Asian countries, Solangi added were already implementing Belt and Road Initiative projects.

He said with the passage of time, President Xi’s globalization-based ideology will gain momentum.

He said that Pakistan’s relations with China entered a new era after the start of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project.

The minister said due to the cooperation of the People’s Republic of China and China’s leadership, Pakistan has made progress through CPEC.

When CPEC was launched, the focus was on energy and infrastructure projects, Murtaza Solangi said and added currently, work was being done in many new areas under CPEC. Wishing Happy New Year to the people of China he said relations between Pakistan and China have always been exemplary.

Solangi said cooperation in the fields of information technology, mining, special economic zones, agriculture, agro-based industry and tourism was developing as new avenues of cooperation between China and Pakistan were opening.

He remarked that Pakistan-China friendship was not limited to slogans and the future of the relations between the two countries was very bright.

“Thousands of Pakistani students are studying in Chinese universities”, Murtaza Solangi stated.

As a result of the cooperation between Radio Pakistan and China Radio International, Pakistan’s professionals went to China and brought back the pleasant experiences of working with their Chinese brothers, the minister said.

Saying that CPEC projects have had a positive impact on the lives of local people, Murtaza Solangi urged the media to highlight the positive impact on people’s lives.

Minister lays foundation stone of Shah Alla Ditta Caves preservation & development project

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
Jamal Shah, Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture inaugurating Shah Alla Ditta Caves development, conservation & preservation project.
APP30-010124 ISLAMABAD: January 01 - Jamal Shah, Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture inaugurating Shah Alla Ditta Caves development, conservation & preservation project.
ISLAMABAD, Jan 01 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah on Monday laid the foundation stone of Shah Alla Ditta Caves development, conservation, preservation and restoration.
Federal Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division Humaira Ahmed, Director General Department of Archaeology & Museums (DOAM) Dr Abdul Azeem and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the Department of Archaeology & Museums (DOAM) Islamabad has declared the site a “Protected Antiquity” under the Antiquities Act 1975 on 13-08-2016.
He said that DOAM, National Heritage & Culture Division, has started conservation, preservation, restoration & development of the caves during the current financial year.
He said that the work includes Archaeological excavation, complete documentation of the site, geotechnical study of binding materials, construction of drainage works as well as Soft and hard landscaping.
Shah Allah Ditta caves are situated on the southern side of the Margalla hills in a small picturesque valley, 14 kilometers northwest of the capital city of Islamabad. Caves consist of two natural rock shelters of Kanjur stone situated on either side of a natural spring of hot water.
The front side of the eastern cave is covered with a wall of undressed kanjur stone laid in mud mortar. The facade of the cave is covered with mud plaster having many coatings of red color.
On the smooth surface of the wall, some paintings are executed in black color but in the later period, the paintings are covered with a layer of whitewash.
The paintings are of Hindu origin, probably of god Vishnu (the savior).
Interior of the cave is divided into upper and lower halves. Walls are treated with mud plaster having many coatings of white wash but now the color of the walls become blackish due to the smoke of the fire used by the dwellers.
In front of the cave are the remains of a paved channel and a square water tank constructed in limestone blocks laid in lime mortar.
Many Hindu families were living in Shah Allah Ditta village before partition and the caves were used by them for their daily worship and remained in occupation till 1947.
It may be mentioned here that Jamal Shah, Interim Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture recently inaugurated the preservation and development of Mai Qamro Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb located in a small village ‘Bagh Jogian’ in the vicinity of Islamabad.
The minister has ordered the Department of Archaeology and Museum to expedite the pace of work to restore the Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb in its original form besides enhancing its outlook.

Pakistan condemns banning of another Kashmiri political party  

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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0
MOFA

ISLAMABAD, Jan 01 (APP): Pakistan on Monday condemned the Indian authorities’ decision to declare the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir (TeH) as an unlawful association for a period of five years, terming it a “subjugation of Kashmiris’.

“Banning of political parties is part of India’s relentless campaign to subjugate the Kashmiri people, suppress dissent, and consolidate its occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The FO said these actions blatantly violate democratic norms and international human rights and humanitarian law.

“India must remove the ban on all the political parties illegally outlawed in IIOJK and respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people,” it said.

The FO asked India to release all the political prisoners and dissenters, and faithfully implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

The TeH is the second Kashmiri party banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in less than a week’s time.

With its banning, the total number of outlawed Kashmiri political parties increases to six.

The party was founded by iconic Kashmiri leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who passed away in 2021 during a protracted house arrest. His dead body was ruthlessly snatched by the occupation authorities, and his near and dear ones were not allowed to attend his funeral.

CPI inflation recorded at 29.7% in December

By
NNPS Desk
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0
PBS

ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP): The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation increased to 29.7 per cent during December 2023 as compared to the same month of last year, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Monday.

The inflation had increased to 29.2 per cent during last month (November) whereas it was recorded at 24.5 per cent during December 2022, according to the PBS data.

On a month-on-month basis, the inflation increased to 0.8 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 2.7 per cent in the previous month and an increase of 0.5 per cent in December 2022.

The urban CPI inflation increased to 30.9 per cent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 30.4 per cent in the previous month and 21.6 per cent in December 2022.

On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, it increased to 0.7 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 4.3 per cent in the previous month and an increase of 0.3 per cent in December 2022.

On the other hand, the rural CPI increased to 27.9 per cent on a year-on-year basis in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 27.5 per cent in the previous month and 28.8 per cent in December 2022. On a month-on-month basis, it increased to 1.0 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 0.4 per cent in the previous month and an increase of 0.7 per cent in December 2022.

The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) based inflation on YoY increased to 35.3 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 30.6 per cent a month earlier and 27.8 per cent in December 2022. On the MoM basis, it increased by 3.8 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 3.3 per cent a month earlier and an increase of 0.2 per cent in December 2022.

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation on a YoY basis to 27.3 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 26.4 per cent a month earlier and an increase of 27.1 per cent in December 2022. On the MoM basis, there was no change in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 1.4 per cent a month earlier and a decrease of 0.7 in the corresponding month of last year i.e. December 2022.

The core inflation measured by non-food non-energy Urban increased to 18.2 per cent on YoY basis in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 18.6 per cent in the previous month and 14.7 per cent in December 2022. On a MoM basis, it increased by 0.8 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 0.9 per cent in the previous month, and an increase of 1.2 per cent in the corresponding month of last year i.e. December 2022.

The core inflation measured by non-food non-energy Rural increased to 25.1 per cent on YoY basis in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 25.9 per cent in the previous month and 19.0 per cent in December 2022. On MoM basis, it increased by 0.9 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 1.4 per cent in the previous month, and an increase of 1.5 per cent in the corresponding month of last year i.e. December 2022.

According to the data, the urban core inflation (Trimmed) measured by 20 per cent weighted trimmed mean Urban increased to 23.3 per cent on a YoY basis in December 2023 as compared to 22.9 per cent in the previous month and 19.4 per cent in December 2022. On MoM basis, it increased by 0.3 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 0.1 per cent in the previous month and an increase of 0.8 per cent in the corresponding month of last year i.e. December 2022.

The rural core inflation, measured by 20 per cent weighted trimmed mean Rural increased to 28.0 per cent on YoY basis in December 2023 as compared to 27.9 per cent in the previous month and 26.4 per cent in December 2022. On MoM basis, it increased to 0.7 per cent in December 2023 as compared to an increase of 0.5 per cent in the previous month and an increase of 1.5 per cent in the corresponding month of last year i.e. December 2022.

Senators demand national dialogue, highlight Balochistan protesters issue

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
Senate
ISLAMABAD, Jan 01 (APP): The members of the Upper House of the Parliament on Monday called for initiating a national dialogue and highlighted
the issue of Balochistan protestors in the Capital.
The third convening of the 334th Senate session was held with Senator Sadiq Sanjrani in the chair that started with the call from Senators for allowing to speak on the issue of Balochistan protestors.
The Chairman Senate in his welcome remarks felicitated the members of the House at the commencement of the New Year before initiating the proceedings.
Senator Muhammad Akram of the National Party said the protest had started from Balochistan and the protestors reached the Federal Capital after a long journey.
He pointed out the plight of the women and the protestors under open skies that also included children.
 He also callled for addressing the missing persons issue without further delay.
“There should be a debate on missing persons issue to start the dialogue. The stakeholders should be convened on a single platform under a separate committee that should be established to resolve the issue’, he added.
Senator, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Pakistan (JUI-P) also highlighted the plight of women protestors and demanded the proper redressal of their grievances.
The JUI-P Senator proposed that a committee to resolve the issue of missing persons of Balochistan and the rest should be set up to resolve the issue amicably.
Senator Muhammad Tahir Bizinjo of National Party also expressed concern over the plight of Baloch protestors.
Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan of Awami National Party regretted that the increase in terrorist activities and targeting of political parties, were harmful for democracy and the electoral process.
He said that the threats to political leaders like his leader Aimal Wali Khan or Moulana Fazlur Rehman, would have  adverse impacts on democratic norms.
Senator Humayun Mohmand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded that the interim government under its constitutional mandate, should hold free and fair elections in the country.
Senator Kamran Murtaza of JUI-P condemned the terrorist attacks on his party leaders and termed it harmful for democracy.
Senator Moulvi Faiz Muhammad of JUI-P said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure protection of life, property and honour of the citizens.
The terrorist activities in Balochistan were regrettable and commendable, whereas the government must make serious efforts to address the terrorism issue.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed of Pakistan Muslim League (PML) apprised the House that during his recent participation at an international conference on Palestine in Tehran, he on behalf of the House expressed full solidarity with Palestinians and paid tribute to their fight against Israeli occupation.
He said that the so-called Israeli might was shattered by the Palestinians and its brutalities and violations of human rights were blatantly exposed before the world.
 He said the plight of Baloch women protestors was regrettable and should not be repeated in any manner.
Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentrian condemned Pashtun Tahafuz Movement , leader Manzoor Pashteen for using foul language against national institutions of the country.
Tangi demanded Pashteen to stop propaganda against the state and join politics to become part of the mainstream political discourse.

A beautiful view of first sunrise of the year 2024 in the City.

By
Wajid
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0
A beautiful view of first sunrise of the year 2024 in the City.
APP27-010124 KARACHI: January 01 - A beautiful view of first sunrise of the year 2024 in the City.
A beautiful view of first sunrise of the year 2024 in the City.
APP27-010124
KARACHI: January 01 – 

People enjoy horse riding at Seaview.

By
Wajid
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0
People enjoy horse riding at Seaview.
APP28-010124 KARACHI: January 01 - People enjoy horse riding at Seaview.
People enjoy horse riding at Seaview.
APP28-010124
KARACHI: January 01 – 

BNP-Mengal Chief, Saradar Akhtar Mengal addressing a press conference at Quetta Press Club.

By
Wajid
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0
Saradar Akhtar Mengal
BNP-Mengal Chief, Saradar Akhtar Mengal addressing a press conference at Quetta Press Club.
APP26-010124
QUETTA: January 01 – 

Exercise BARRACUDA holds potential to foster valuable exchange of knowledge, experiences among participants: DG PMSA

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jan 01 (APP): Director General, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali on Monday said Exercise BARRACUDA held the potential to foster a valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences among the participants of the drill.

The DG PMSA expressed these remarks in his message at the commencement of the flagship Exercise BARRACUDA, a news release said.

He said, “The dependence of mankind on sea, its resources and environment has increased manifold in today’s globalized world. The corresponding upscale in maritime activities is threatening the marine environment.”

He added that mercantile traffic accounting for more than 90% of global trade carries along a perpetual danger of marine pollution through oil/chemical spills during collusion, groundings and port operations. Timely and effective containment of such pollution requires regular rehearsals of response options besides coordination among all stakeholders.

Likewise, being Regional Coordinator of the Search and Rescue (SAR) setup of IMO, the maritime services of Pakistan are required to coordinate and respond to distress situations at sea where human life and property are at risk.

In this context, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) is holding its 12th series of exercise BARRACUDA scheduled from 2-4 January 24. PMSA has consistently taken the leading role both national and international levels to safeguard maritime security in the region and the exercise has become a signature event of PMSA since 2007.

The pressing need for mitigating and managing Oil spill at sea became evident following the catastrophic incident of MV TASMAN SPIRIT In Karachi back in 2003. PMSA then vehemently proposed development of national oil spill contingency plan to deal with all maritime disasters. Subsequently, the National Marine Disaster Contingency Plan (NMDCP) was approved by Govt in 2007 which mandated PN & PMSA to lead national effort to fight pollution, oil spillage and other maritime disasters at sea. Resultantly exercise BARRACUDA was conceived by PMSA with the aim of generating consensus and fostering a coordinated response among different stakeholders, ensuring preparedness in the event of potential maritime disaster.

The practical manifestation of response mechanism was seen in the case of oil spill by MT AL-JAWAZA off Mubarik village and MV Hang Tong off Sea View wherein all stakeholders came together to handle disaster of oil spill at sea.

This year, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the MARPOL convention with the theme ‘at 50- Our Commitment Goes On’ reflecting IMO’s enduring dedication for protection of marine environment through a robust regulatory framework. Embracing these evolving paradigms, foster a collective responsibility among all stakeholders. PMSA being a lead agency in maritime sector, remains resolute in its dedication to ensure maritime safety and upholding environmental mandates.

The conduct of Ex-BARRACUDA under the ambit of PN underscores our commitment to prevent marine pollution. Apart from meeting national objectives on environmental control and anti-pollution drives the exercise also provides a common platform to deliberate upon and fine-tune response mechanism for marine pollution incidents including SAR operations.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the friendly nations that have responded to our invitation and envision this exercise as a learning opportunity,” the PMSA DG said.

The collaborative nature of the Ex BARRACUDA hold the potential to foster a valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences among participants. As we join hands together for this exercise the collective and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders will help to achieve the objective of shared response against disaster management to marine pollution and SAR.

“I look forward to welcome all national stakeholders and maximum international participants/ observers at the inaugural session of exercise BARRACUDA-XII as I remain hopeful of a rewarding and mutually beneficial exercise,” he added.

Cold weather forecast but no chance of snowfall at Murree this week

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Jan 01 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday forecast cold weather with no chance of snowfall in Murree during this week.
According to a spokesperson for the authority, the temperature is expected to be a minimum of 2 degrees and a maximum of 12 degrees, advising people to be aware of weather conditions before leaving for the tourist spot.
During the journey drive the vehicle in a single lane and in light gear, avoid overtaking. Keep the tires under-inflated and do not run the heater in the vehicle for too long, remove snow near the silencer and ensure exhaust, the PDMA spokesperson added.
He said that strict action will be taken against those stopping the vehicle in traffic, taking selfies or playing loud music, adding that obey the traffic rules and contact the helpline immediately in case of an emergency.
In case of an emergency, contact PDMA helpline 1129, local administration control room numbers 0519269015, 0519269016, 0519269018. Local administration can also be contacted on WhatsApp number 03009697250, he concluded.
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